Answer :
A potential insider threat indicator from the given options is:
-Death of a spouse
The loss of a spouse can lead to emotional distress, financial difficulties, or behavioral changes that may increase susceptibility to coercion or influence, which are common indicators of insider threats.
The other options are generally not direct indicators of insider threats:
- Authorized handling of classified information is a normal job responsibility.
- Work-related foreign travel is common in many roles.
- Financial windfall from an inheritance is usually a legitimate and traceable event, unless it leads to unexplained wealth with no legal source.
In evaluating potential insider threat indicators, it’s important to understand the context surrounding significant life events that could indicate vulnerabilities or changes in an individual's behavior or situation.
Among the options provided, the most relevant potential insider threat indicator would be:
Financial windfall from an inheritance
Explanation:
Financial Changes: A sudden financial gain, such as an inheritance, can lead an individual to make drastic life changes or decisions. It can influence their behavior, particularly in a workplace setting where they might feel less constrained by their financial responsibilities.
Increased Risk of Compromise: Individuals experiencing financial windfalls may become more vulnerable to exploitation or coercion, thus increasing the risk of being persuaded into compromising their security responsibilities or sharing sensitive information.
Changing Circumstances: This financial change can also lead to lifestyle changes, which may affect an individual's priorities or mental state. Such changes can lead to unusual behavior or decisions that might be seen as a risk factor in a professional setting.
Other Options Considered:
Death of a spouse: This is indeed a major life event and could impact someone's mental state, but it isn't a direct indicator of insider threat on its own.
Authorized handling of classified information: While this indicates a position of trust, it does not suggest any risk or threat on its own.
Work-related foreign travel: This could raise security concerns but isn't necessarily an indicator of an insider threat by itself.
Therefore, the financial windfall highlights a direct change in circumstances that can lead to increased risks regarding insider sharing or compromising sensitive information.
